Mikel Set For First Competitive Game Under Conte In New Midfield Role

Chelsea second longest serving player John Mikel Obi will today play his first competitive game under Italian manager Antonio Conte, when they take on Leicester City in the EFL Cup.

Mikel’s participation at the Rio 2016 Olympics made Chelsea grant him an extended leave but despite returning back to football for Nigeria in an international game against Tanzania. He is yet to suit up for Chelsea in a competitive game.

However he is not new to the playing demands of the Italian as he played in some of Chlesea pre season games under the manager, who is reportedly set to hand him a new role in the team.

As reported by Owngoalnigeria.com, Mikel will tonight play in a more advanced midfield role, same role he plays for Nigeria than the usual deep lying midfield role he has been playing at Chelsea the past 10 seasons.